Britain Reborn 1964-1970 Foreign Policy (Unit 2, Topic 3) Flashcards
Relations with and towards USA, particularly issue of Vietnam, Response to world affairs and relations with Europe, Decolonisation including the 'withdrawal of East Suez' and Rhodesia.
Who was Michael Foot?
A popular and well respected left-winger, a great admirer of Bevan. He was a talented journalist, with a regular column in the Daily Herald. His first experience of being in the government was as Wilsons minister of employment in 1947. He was on the left wing of the party and opposed Britain joining the EEC. He became labour leader in 1980, after Labours defeat in 1979
What is a Europhile?
A term used to describe people who were enthusiastic about Britain’s membership of the EEC
Who was Denis Healey?
A labour MP from 1952 until retirement in 1992. He was minister of defence between 1964-70 and Chancellor of the Exchequer between 1974-79. He was a right wing of the party from 1980-83
Who was Ian Smith?
He was the first MP of Rhodesia, he was a farmer before politics and remained MP until Lancaster agreement in 1979 when Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) was officially recognised as independent
What happened between America and Britain with the Vietnam War?
Harold was in keen support of America and the Atlantic Alliance but he risked losing support for Britain if he joined the Vietnam War and he couldn’t afford military involvement. He also needed America to prevent devaluation and help support the sterling. However, America became annoyed at the over balance of moral support over military and relations declined
What was Wilson’s view on joining the EEC?
The party was split between for and against the EEC and joining and maintaining their position in the commonwealth. Labour left believed the EEC was a club for capitalists and keep Britain from following social policies. Gaitskell believed it was the first step towards a federal political union. Whereas Europhiles thought maintaining status in the commonwealth was more decisive
Wilsons cabinet could see the economic benefits of joining the EEC but didn’t want to break Britain and USA’s ‘special relationship’
Why did Britain decide to leave the Suez Canal?
Britain believed that the blood and treasure was disproportionate to the possible benefits of gaining the Suez Canal and instead focusing on maintaining status in NATO
What were the Main reasons for Britain’s Non-involvement in the Vietnam War?
Withdrawal from the East Suez Canal made rebuilding the economy a main driving source for future problems. A devaluation crisis caused an acceleration for a solution to this process. Therefore, the UK opted to focus more on the Atlantic Alliance and the commonwealth than other global issues
What went Wrong with Rhodesia?
Wouldn’t give South Rhodesia independence and had to meet face to face for negotiations. The Rhodesian MP Ian Smith disavowed all negotiations. Britain implemented oil sanctions as retaliation which had no effect as Zimbabwe were given resources and supplies by other countries. This upset the commonwealth and many left labour. Rhodesia would eventually gain their independence in 1980
What were the Anti-Vietnam Riots?
The Vietnam solidarity campaign set up in 1966, gained massive support amongst the university students. In the 17th of March there were violent scenes at an anti-war demonstration and on 28th there was more violent protests concluding with 200 people arrested.
A final demonstration in 1968 October, 30,000 took part and a Vietnam war speaker from the American embassy was covered in red paint
